Here is a interesting comparison by EVO Magazine of some of the best drivers cars out there that one may be able to actually afford. The supplemental video to the article only focuses on the BMW 1M and Porsche Cayman R leaving out the 370Z and Audi TT-RS which is a bit disappointing. EVO felt the BMW 1M and Porsche Cayman R were the class of the field with the TT-RS being placed in last place and the 370Z coming in third.

In the video EVO's Chris Harris states both the 1M and the Cayman R are brilliant. The part that grinds my gears is he states M cars are not about the motor but the chassis. He correctly states it is the same engine as the 135i. Well Chris, that makes the car a 135is and not an M car. M cars are about the complete package including the motor not a cheap parts bin mash-up taking the engine from the 135 with some parts from the M3 thrown in. Sorry, it is a fantastic car but it is not a real M car and never will be as you yourself mention it does not have an M motor. Your definition may be that M's are about the chassis but if that is true BMW would have never felt the need to create separate and specific "S" motor designation specifically for M cars only. The chassis is an important part but it is just a part of the whole M experience which includes the motor. BimmerBoost will have an article dedicated to refuting your entire baseless assertion next month, count on it.

The BMW 1M ends up winning this comparison over the Cayman R. Although the 1M is a great car, the Cayman R is the better driver's vehicle of the two. It is lighter, mid-engined, and has an optional dual clutch transmission which the BMW 1M lacks. EVO themselves makes our case for us regarding the 1M, "No, it doesn’t have the immaculate polish and homogenous tactility of the Porsche – the brakes are over-assisted at road speeds and it lacks the remarkable pliancy and supple body control of the Cayman – but it counters with scintillating overtaking ability, greater levels of mechanical grip and a handling balance that’s almost as sweet."

It doesn't have the polish of the Cayman R? It doesn't have as good of a brake feel? It doesn't have the same body control? It doesn't have as great of handling balance? It wins because of turbo torque despite Chris Harris stating the naturally aspirated motors offer better response and make precise throttle control easier? We think EVO needs to figure out how to make a consistent argument that does not undermine itself and then try again. They got it wrong, the Cayman R is the superior drivers car.

I haven't driven either 1M or the Cayman R, but I did beat the living $#@! out of a Cayman S loaner this summer.
My sister always gets sweet loaners at the P-car dealership when she services her Cayenne and she always drops by to let me drive them.
I drove the Cayman S for about 1.5 hrs and gave the car everything I could.
There's an old abandoned school nearby that hasn't been used in years, but it has a near perfect oval road around the school with ample room to get some good speed and tight turns.
I must have drove in a circle for 30mins w/o stopping--most of the time at WOT and I left that day with tons of respect for the Cayman S and considered getting a gently used one for a dedicated track car someday.
I think the Cayman is a much overlooked vehicle because of the 911 and p-car purists, but I would consider adding one to my stall--and the R looks even better!
BTW don't ever buy a pre-owned loaner

EVO does it all the time, e.g. "the ferrari 458's technology gives a driving experience thats unmatched...the porsche is better because its more natural"(not their exact words, but the gist of a lot of their subjective conclusions of tests). I don't completely discount their opinion but I read the articles understanding that the articles are just that, well written opinions.

EVO does it all the time, e.g. "the ferrari 458's technology gives a driving experience thats unmatched...the porsche is better because its more natural"(not their exact words, but the gist of a lot of their subjective conclusions of tests). I don't completely discount their opinion but I read the articles understanding that the articles are just that, well written opinions.

Well said but the thing is this one is not even well written. The points are not cohesive whatsoever.

The Cayman R is awesome and the I have driven the S and also sick conversion done by Farnbacher Loles 2 years ago. You can place the Cayman most anywhere in a turn, drift it or make mistakes and it doesn't bite like the 911 could or would. Especially the older 911 like my old 89 Turbo, drop throttle oversteer is not your friend. Trust me...

They said the Cayman was the best handling with the best balance and best brakes.

They contradict themselves, it's a bad review.

Also, you can't undermine the engine and then say the car wins based on it's "overtaking" ability. The whole thing is just badly done.

It's a contradiction of sorts, I assume he meant and should have written that it isn't as good handling or have the brake feel of the Cayman but wins because the driver have more fun in it

I been to a Porsche track day where all non-turbo 911's, Carreras and Cayman where at our disposal. It was fun, BUT something is lacking from them. There isn't anything technically to complain about it is something else, a car for $150k should be much more exiting to be in, this was like kissing your sister, it doesn't help how good she looks, if you enjoy it there is something wrong with you!